Acoustic portal detection system

a detection system and portal technology, applied in the field of human subject scanning, can solve the problems of inconvenient x-ray analysis of passenger screening, unacceptable to expose airline passengers to x-rays on a routine basis for security purposes, etc., and achieve the effect of improving airport and other building security, rapid scanning, and efficient operation

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-03-22
CAULFIELD DAVID D +2
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides systems and methods for rapidly, efficiently, and non-invasively scanning human subjects for non-clothing objects, including both metallic and non-metallic objects, which are concealed from view. For this purpose, the invention provides a portal detection system that scans each human subject using acoustic technology. Specifically, acoustic energy is directed towards the human subject, and portions of the energy are reflected and / or refracted by the human subject (and the non-clothing object if present). These reflected / refracted portions of energy are detected to generate a scan profile, indicative of whether (or not) any objects are concealed beneath the clothing of the subject. Human subjects are directed to move towards, through and beyond the portal, during which time the acoustic scanning takes place. The portal may be configured to scan the human subject from multiple angles, thereby ensuring proper scanning coverage of the various surfaces of the subject. The portal detection systems described herein can detect the presence or absence of many non-metallic illicit objects including plastic explosives, drugs, and weapons. Moreover, the portal detection system may be combined with any convention metal detection means to provide significant improvements to airport and other building security.

Problems solved by technology

In contrast, passenger screening is not conducive to X-ray analysis, due to the potentially harmful effects of X-ray irradiation upon the human subject.
Therefore, it is unacceptable to expose airline passengers to X-rays on a routine basis for security purposes, particularly considering that whole-body irradiation would be required.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

second embodiment

the invention is shown in FIG. 2 (perspective view).

The second embodiment is very similar to the first embodiment (described with reference to FIG. 1) with the principle exception that the acoustic transmitters and detectors can move relative to the frame. For this purpose, the transmitters 12 and detectors 13 may be mounted to rotatable mountings 21, which themselves are pivotally mounted to the various parts of the frame 11. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 provides for transmitters 12d and detectors 13d mounted to rotatable mountings 21a and 21b, which are themselves mounted to the vertical sections of the frame 11. In addition, the transmitters 12e and detectors 13e are mounted to rotatable mounting 21c, which itself is mounted to the upper horizontal section of the frame 11.

By rotatably mounting the transmitters and receivers upon the frame, the transmitters and receivers can be induced to move and effectively ‘follow’ the human subject during passage towards, through, and ...

example 1

Calculation of Reflection Coefficients (Impedance) is Sufficient for Detection of the Presence of Explosive Sheets

A prototype model of the portal detection system was utilized to test the capacity of the system to differentiate between a human wearing a shirt, and a human wearing a shirt, and concealing two types of simulated explosive materials beneath the shirt. For this purpose, acoustic energy was directed towards the human subject at a distance of 70 cm. The acoustic signals detected by the acoustic detector(s) were utilized to calculate an impedance value for the layer prior to the reflecting surface, and the reflecting layer. These values permitted calculation of the corresponding reflection coefficients in accordance with equation 4:

R=(Z1−Z2) / (Z1+Z2)  (4)

whereR=reflection coefficient (db)Z1=impedance of the layer prior to the reflecting layerZ2=impedance of the reflection layer.

The comparative results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 4 where the reflection coefficient is...

example 2

Calculation of Absorption is Sufficient for Detection of the Presence of Explosive Sheets

The prototype model of the portal detection system was further utilized to conduct a similar experiment to that shown in Example 1, with an alternative method of acoustic analysis. For this purpose, acoustic energy of more than one frequency was directed towards the human subject at a distance of 70 cm. The resulting acoustic signals detected by the acoustic detector(s) were utilized to calculate a value for a rate of change of absorption with respect to frequency, either of the human subject or the human subject with two types of simulated explosives beneath clothing, in accordance with equation 2.

dS / df=function(dA / df, dα / df)  (2)

WhereS=The detected acoustic energy amplitudeA=The transmitted source energy amplitude.α=The absorption of the human subject and concealed object (if present)f=Acoustic energy frequency.

The comparative results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 5. The results indicat...

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PUM

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Abstract

Airports and other public places require security measures for the screening of human subjects for illicit objects and materials concealed from view beneath clothing. However, at present most of such screening processes involve only metal detectors, which are inherently incapable of detecting non-metallic illicit objects and materials. For this reason, there remains a strong need for novel systems and methods that can detect all types of materials. The present invention provides for a portal detection system that is configured for safe, rapid, and non-invasive scanning of human subjects. For this purpose, the portal detection system utilizes acoustic technology to achieve this end. The portal detection systems of the present invention may optionally be used in conjunction with conventional metal detection means. The invention encompasses portal detection systems, their use in scanning human subjects, and corresponding methods of scanning human subjects for illicit objects and substances.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to the field of human subject scanning. In particular, the invention pertains to methods and systems for the detection of objects concealed by human clothing and / or human skin without physical contact with the human subject. The invention is intended for use in many applications, including airport security.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTIONThere is an increasing need to improve the level of security of public buildings, as well as specified areas within such buildings. One example includes the security of airport terminal buildings, which manage high volumes of passenger traffic on a daily basis. Typically, a specific region of an airport building may be designated as a ‘secure area’, wherein all personnel and their belongings are screened prior to entry into the secure area. Secure areas may include the departure lounge, and the gates used to assemble passengers prior to boarding the aircraft.Baggage and other personal items ca...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G03B42/00G03B42/06G01S15/00G01S15/04G01S15/66
CPCG01S15/003G03B42/06G01S15/04G01S15/66
Inventor CAULFIELD, DAVID D.CURRAN, MICHAELTARINI, ROBERT
Owner CAULFIELD DAVID D
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